30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER STENY
ABOUT PRAYING FOR PEACE
Dear brothers and sisters, as the Holy Land is immersed in this violence and bloodshed, we remember that Jesus, the Son of God, who lived and walked there as Love Incarnate, through His teaching by word and deed, calls us as brothers and sisters to be always united by the bond of charity.
Therefore, I invite all of you to join other people of good will, here and around the world, in imploring God to move the hearts of those leaders engaged in the present conflict in order to de-escalate the acts of terrorism, cease violence and war, and resume constructive efforts that are aimed at establishing lasting peace and concord. As we pray for peace, let us remember all the families and individuals suffering because of this most recent outbreak of violence.
As a Catholic Parish Community, we are compelled by the teachings and example of Jesus to pray for peace throughout the world. In a fraternal spirit of solidarity with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, brothers and sisters, let us join together in recalling God’s desire for peace in the land that Jesus Christ called home and the whole world.
Prayer for the Peace
Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say no to war. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph. Lord God, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands.
Gracious God, we pray for all people who are suffering from war. May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to endure great suffering and hardship. Transform the hearts and minds of all those who perpetuate violence and oppression. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
This Week in the Church
ALL SOULS’ DAY MASSES on November the 2nd will be 7:30am, 9am & 6:30pm – regular Masses on November 1st
FIRST FRIDAY is on November 3rd – Adoration begins after 9am Mass (no 7:30am Mass that day) followed by Benediction at 6:45pm and Mass at 7pm. Sign-up sheet is at the Church entrance – it would be greatly appreciated if 2-3 people can sign up per time slot.
Next Tuesday, Oct. 31st is Halloween, which means All Hallows Eve; which also means All Saints Eve. We invite all the children to dress up like “Little Saints” and bring your children for Sunday, November 5th at the 11am Mass. A small treat will be handed out after the Mass. There are so many choices, below are some ideas:
St. George– Dragon slaying saint. If you want to wear armor, but not wings or a crown, this is a good choice.
St. Michael– Archangel. Wear armour, carry a sword, some wings and sandals would be needed.
St. Gabriel– Archangel. Carry a horn.
St. Raphael– Archangel. Carry a fish.
Saint Teresa of Avila– Carmelite order, brown robes. Doctor of the church, so carry a book and a feather.
Saint Scholastica– Carry a crucifix.
Saint Faustina– Carry a picture of the Divine Mercy image
Saint Katherine Drexel– Wear a big crucifix necklace.
Saint Margaret Mary– Carry a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
THE MONTHLY FILIPINO MASS – is on November 12th at 6pm.
FOR All Souls Day and November, the month of the Holy Souls, offertory envelopes are available at the Church entrance & on a table in front of Our Lady’s Altar.
Important Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. EDMUND’S, SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES:
SATURDAY, DEC. 2ND ADVENT RETREAT
SATURDAY, DEC. 16TH – CHRISTMAS DINNER
CWL Coffee Sunday & Bake Sale is after all Masses on Sunday, October 29th. Baking donations will be gratefully received prior to the Masses. Please allow the CWL to price your baked goods.
Project Advance : Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference. Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference. All pledge forms were mailed out; if you receive it and already have given; please disregard and we thank you for your donation.
Please look over information on your pledge form before sending in and make sure it is up to date, make any corrections as needed.
You may also make a donation online here: https://support.rcav.org/project-advance-2023/ Be sure to select St. Edmund's in the parish drop down menu to ensure the excess funds come back to our community.
PREP 2023-2024 INFORMATION
PREP Registration is now open and forms are available in the Parish office.
PREP classes will be held every Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 pm at St Edmund’s School and begin on September 27, 2023
THE MONTHLY FILIPINO MASS – is on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6pm.
2023/2024 Sunday Missals are in and available at parish office - Cost $5 each
SPECIAL OFFER – go to the Knights of Columbus notices for important information
Announcing the Knights 62nd Annual Charity Appeal - there are great prizes
Reflections
The Two Commandments
This week’s Gospel follows close behind the Gospel read last Sunday. It is the last of three questions put to Jesus by Jewish religious leaders who are trying to trick him into saying something that might get him arrested. This reminds us that the context for today’s reading is the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
The Herodians and the Pharisees asked the first question, which was about taxes. The Sadducees asked the second question, which was about the Resurrection (see Matthew 22:22-33). The third question, considered in today’s Gospel, is asked by a Pharisee who asks Jesus about the greatest of the commandments.
The question requires Jesus to interpret the Law of Moses. The Mosaic Law consists of the Ten Commandments and many additional rules, numbering over six hundred. Adherence to the Mosaic Law, for a devout Jew, is an expression of faithfulness to God’s covenant with Israel. The ranking of the Commandments was regularly debated among the teachers of the Law.
Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question with a two-fold summary. Jesus says that all of the commandments can be summarized in two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. Both of these were central elements of the religious tradition Jesus learned from his Jewish community. Indeed, these continue to be central aspects of contemporary Jewish religious understanding. Jesus’ response to his questioners proposed an integral connection between these two aspects of the Jewish Law. Love of God finds its expression in our love for our neighbour.
- Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, October 29
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose All Souls in Purgatory by Rosa Zivarts
· Repose Serafino & Maria Cusano/Fiore & Enza Romano by Adelina & Angelo Cusano
· Spec. Intention-Thanksgiving Erneida Marie M. de Guzman by Cari Mendoza
Monday, October 30
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose Greg Fedorak by George Fedorak
Tuesday, October 31
· Spec. Intention St. Edmund’s Parishioners
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose Joseph Hermann Sr. by Joseph & Laura Hermann
Wednesday, November 1
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Spec. Intention Albert Sturm by Hildegard Fercho
Thursday, November 2
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose Adela Diego by Alipio & Rodel Diego & family
· Repose All Souls by Ludovina Santos
· Repose Antonio Testa by wife Lucia & family
· Repose All Souls in Purgatory by Liz Wong
· Repose all deceased family members of Domenico & Maria Maglieri
Friday, November 3
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose all deceased family members by Lucia Testa & family
Saturday, November 4
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Spec. Intention Christine Gallagher by Janet Ficocelli
· Repose Recaredo Medina by Joel & Erneida de Guzman
Parish Events
CWL
2nd Thursday of each month @ 7 PM
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus general meetings are in person on the 1st Tuesday each month @7pm/executive meetings are also in person on the last Tuesday of the month @7pm
SPECIAL OFFER - Knights of Columbus - Free 1 Year On-Line Membership. You can enjoy the benefits of being a Knights of Columbus member including Accidental Death Benefit and the famous Columbia Magazine.
Promo Code: BLESSEDMCGIVNEY
After joining, please check your Inbox for confirmation.
St. Eds Christian Meditation Group
Mondays @ 7 PM
Participation in person: please contact Luis Zunino (lzunino@gzarchitects.com) or at 604-987-8304.
Option to participate via ZOOM: For an introductory conversation, please contact Luis Zunino
School Events
St. Edmund's Elementary School
ST. EDMUND’S SCHOOL PURDY’S FUNDRAISIER
Fall is in the air and Christmas is coming faster than you think. It's time to support St Edmunds Elementary school by eating more chocolate!
Spread the joy this winter season by gifting Purdy's chocolate to your family and friends while at the same time supporting our students!
Customer No: 22052
Once logged in simply click on the 'Shop Online' text at the top of the page.
Please also share this link with your friends, families and co-workers so they too can support St Edmunds Elementary.
Please place your orders by November 27th
Pickup will be on December 11th at St Edmunds Gym
St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School
STA Christmas Craft Fair - After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, the STA Christmas Craft Fair is back for its 34th year on Sunday, 5 November. This is the official callout for new and returning vendors to participate in this fun and well-attended community event. Please email us at stacraftfair@aquinas.org to register today!
OPEN HOUSE - STA's open house is fast approaching - Tuesday, November 28th at 6pm. Please see the poster below for more information.
Pilgrimage to the Medjugorje Youth Festival & Italy - The STA Alumni Association, in conjunction with STA Campus Ministry, is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Medjugorje Youth Festival and Italy from July 22nd - August 8th, 2024. All STA alumni & their families (18+) are invited to join.
Find more information at: https://www.aquinas.org/alumni
Religious Education
PREP
PREP Registration is now open and forms are available in the Parish office.
PREP classes will be held every Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 pm at St Edmund’s School and begin on September 27, 2023
Children's Choir Training
Every Saturday at 10am
Altar Server Training
Every Saturday 11-11:30am
Archdiocese Notices & Events
PROJECT ADVANCE 2023
Make a donation online here: https://support.rcav.org/project-advance-2023/
Be sure to select St. Edmund's in the parish drop down menu to ensure the excess funds come back to our community.
Thank you for your generosity!
Seminary of Christ the King
There will be a Vocation Live-In on the weekend of November 4-5, 2023 at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. Anyone wishing to enter the Seminary in the next couple of years is welcome.
For more information phone 604-826-8975 or email rector.minors@sck.ca
PRO-LIFE CHRISTMAS CARDS
Will be available to purchase from parish office starting next week (Oct.30 ) during office hours
1 pkg. is $10.00 or 3 pkgs for $25.00
ST PIUS X SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER
Parishioners are cordially invited to the 12th Annual Archbishop’s Dinner on Thursday, November 9th at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. This year, proceeds raised will be dedicated by Archbishop Miller towards Honouring Our Workers in the Vineyard which will support the St. Joseph’s Society and the Clergy Care Fund as well as the building of a new convent for the Sisters.
Tables are $1,850 for a table of 10 guests. Parishioners can purchase individual tickets.
To book a table or tables or to purchase individual tickets,
please visit rcav.org/dinner2023 or you could mail the attached order form below or contact Ivana D’Almeida at 604-683—0281 ext. 326 (email idalmeida@racv.org)
Special Gifts
Remember a loved one with a special gift
Financial Updates
Remember St. Edmund's in your Will
Prayer Requests and Advertisements